River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Football Team's winning streak ends in regular season finale loss to Westwood

The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Football Team's(6-3) six-game winning streak came to an end with a 40-21 loss to the Westwood Cardinals (8-1) in their regular-season finale, which also served as Senior Night and the annual "Bird Bowl" at River Dell High School in Oradell, New Jersey.

Westwood took an early lead on their first offensive possession when quarterback Bruno Vega dashed for a 30-yard touchdown run with eight and a half minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Cardinals opted to go for the two-point conversion, which was successful as running back Steve Klein powered through to add two more points, making the score 8-0.

The Golden Hawks capitalized on excellent starting field position at their own 45-yard line during their next drive. They successfully converted two third-down plays to keep their drive alive.

Once they reached the Westwood ten-yard line, quarterback Zion Yoon took the snap, eluded defenders to the right, and then cut back to the middle.

Yoon absorbed a brutal hit at the one-yard line but managed to somersault into the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown with less than five minutes left in the first half. Kicker Jayden Kim successfully added the extra point, bringing River Dell within one point at 8-7.

In the second quarter, the Cardinals regained the lead with a 54-yard touchdown run by running back Steve Klein with seven and a half minutes to go. Once again, Westwood attempted a two-point conversion but was stopped short by River Dell's defense, leaving the score at 14-7.

With less than four minutes remaining in the half, Westwood's defense made a crucial play when defensive back Edward Rasmussen intercepted a pass and returned it to the River Dell 44-yard line.

Capitalizing on this turnover, Westwood's offense effectively moved the ball down the field. On first and goal at the eight-yard line, running back Steve Klein took the handoff and charged straight ahead into the end zone for another touchdown.

Kicker Ryan Sklavounos successfully converted the extra point, extending the Cardinals' lead to 21-7 with one minute remaining in the half.

Westwood seized a golden opportunity to add more points to the scoreboard when the defense made a crucial play. Linebacker Connor Readie not only registered a sack but also delivered a ferocious hit on Golden Hawks quarterback Zion Yoon, dislodging the ball. Ryan Sklavounos scooped it up and returned it to the River Dell 26-yard line.

As time was winding down, the Cardinals' offense advanced to the 14-yard line, but an incomplete pass on third down led to the clock running out, giving the Golden Hawks a significant break.

Westwood received the opening kickoff and quickly lit up the scoreboard. On their first offensive play from scrimmage to start the third quarter, running back Steve Klein took the handoff and barreled through an open lane, sprinting down the left side of the field for an electrifying 83-yard touchdown that extended the Cardinals' lead to 27-7.

On the Golden Hawks' first offensive possession of the second half, things went sideways with Westwood defensive back Edwards Rasmussen recording his second interception of the game.

However, the River Dell defense responded on the Cardinals' next offensive series when Luke Van Dam recovered a fumble at midfield.

The Golden Hawks' offense used this momentum to drive deeper into Westwood territory. On third and goal at the one-yard line, Zion Yoon took the handoff and powered across the goal line, cutting the deficit to 27-14 with less than eight minutes left in the game.

The Cardinals' offense promptly answered back on their next possession. Quarterback Bruno Vega connected on a 42-yard pass to wide receiver Tyler Hanson, setting up first and goal at the four-yard line.

Running back Steve Klein proved to be an unstoppable force, taking the handoff and crashing into the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the game, putting Westwood ahead 33-14 with under six minutes to go.

The Golden Hawks struggled to regain their offensive momentum on their subsequent series as the Cardinals' defense recorded another sack. Consequently, River Dell had to punt the ball away.

The Cardinals' offense, firing on all cylinders, began their drive at the River Dell 49-yard line. On second down at the 35-yard line, running back Steve Klein capped off his spectacular performance by taking the handoff and bursting through a wide gap en route to the end zone, extending Westwood's lead to 40-14 with two and a half minutes remaining.

Late in the fourth quarter, Golden Hawks quarterback Zion Yoon scored his third rushing touchdown of the game. He took the snap, showcased some nifty moves, and galloped down the left side of the field into the end zone for a 55-yard score.

River Dell will return to action on Friday, October 31st, in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 3 Tournament Quarterfinals. As the eighth seed, they will face the number one seed, the Old Tappan Golden Knights (8-0), with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, New Jersey.